This past Saturday, twenty-three year old, Andy Ogle made his UFC debut at ‘UFC on Fuel TV: Struve vs. Miocic’ in Nottingham, England – his home country. Ogle took on, fellow rookie, Akira Corassani in what turned out to be a very exciting bout – despite not being seen by many as apart of the non-televised preliminary card.

The first round of their UFC careers got off to a fast start, resulting in Corassani hitting the deck, and profound swelling over Ogle’s eye.

The second round led to more impressive striking at both ends, with Ogle finally managing to secure a takedown. Corassani was able to get back on his feet prior to the round’s end; however, he landed a punch that dropped Ogle again after the bell had sounded.

The third, and final, round began with Ogle hitting the canvas after a solid kick; however, Corassani was unable to control a dominate position, and Ogle quickly hopped into a modified crucifix position. Mixed in with attempts to secure Corassani’s back, Ogle opened up his opponent with solid ground and pound prior to the bell sounding.

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Initial reaction to many fight fans, and most in the arena, was that Ogle had done enough and was going to begin his UFC career with an impressive, exciting, victory. This was not the case. Two judges scored the bout 29-28 in favor of Corassani, resulting in a split decision loss for the young fighter. The other judge scored the bout 30-27 – giving every round, and the fight, to Ogle.

In a conversation with Rant Sports’ Featured MMA writer, Dave Hilts, Ogle stated that he in fact believed he had won the fight, however, “…it doesn’t always go your way. The fact that everyone has been telling me I got robbed, including Dana White, makes me feel better. It won’t give me that victory, but I shall learn from it.”

Concerning the radical divide among the judges’ scorecards, Ogle understood, “Everyone has an opinion and two judges saw it Akira’s way. A lot of fans saw it my way and they said they were entertained, and that’s the main thing.”

“I don’t have regrets. I only wish the decision had went in my favor,” Ogle admitted regarding the outcome of the fight, “My preparation for the fight was great. I wouldn’t have changed a thing.”

It remains unsure if Ogle will be given another shot within the UFC; however, his name has yet to be officially removed from the roster. In the meantime, Ogle says he plans to “train like a mad man.”